Embraer 190 with Adler logo (Photo: German Airways).
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German Airways is expanding

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The German aviation industry is changing and German Airways is playing an increasingly important role in this. CEO Maren Wolters recently told CH-Aviation.com that the airline is able to operate a fleet of up to twelve Embraer E190s without having to fear significant increases in overhead costs. This move could strengthen German Airways' position in the ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance and Insurance) and charter segments.

German Airways currently operates eight E190s, which it says are equipped the same. This allows for easy rotation within the fleet, which increases efficiency and ensures technical reliability. Wolters stresses that in-house technical maintenance is a key advantage for the airline. "We have a base maintenance facility in Cologne and carry out line and base maintenance ourselves as much as possible," she explains. This approach not only promotes cooperation between the mechanics and the pilots, but also ensures that the aircraft are optimally maintained to meet the requirements of the market.

The flexibility in the fleet strategy allows German Airways to react quickly to market changes. "We are looking at options left and right, but there is nothing concrete in the pipeline," Wolters adds, suggesting that the company has both short- and long-term plans.

Challenges in the ACMI business

The ACMI market for E190-E2 aircraft is seen as promising. However, there are currently challenges, particularly regarding the engines, that require caution. "We cannot afford to have aircraft grounded because of unresolved engine problems," said Wolters.

German Airways is currently deploying five of its aircraft to its regional subsidiary KLM Cityhopper to bridge bottlenecks caused by engine problems. This flexibility is crucial for survival in the ACMI market, as it allows them to respond quickly to the needs of partner airlines.

Future prospects: freight business and partnerships

Although there are currently no plans to diversify into scheduled airline operations, the cargo business could be a future possibility. Wolters mentions that the E190(F) has just received full FAA certification. "Could cargo be an option for the future?" she asks rhetorically, indicating considerations that German Airways is willing to explore new business areas when the opportunity arises.

Long-term, reliable partnerships are crucial to German Airways' strategy. The airline wants to build trusting relationships with its partners in order to be successful in a competitive market. "We always strive for long-term partnerships," Wolters told CH-Aviation.com.

charter business as a supplement

German Airways' charter business serves to meet seasonal demand and respond flexibly to customer requests. While only one aircraft is scheduled for charter flights throughout the year, the airline shows flexibility by selling ad hoc flights when additional capacity is available. "It's a very flexible facility," says Wolters, summarizing the company's structure.

German Airways is positioning itself as a dynamic player in the regional aviation market. With a clear focus on the Embraer E190 and a strong commitment to technical ownership, the company is laying the foundation for future growth. The willingness to act flexibly in both the ACMI and charter business could prove to be the key to success in the coming years. At a time when the aviation industry is facing numerous challenges, German Airways could play an important role in the German aviation landscape with its strategic direction and focus on long-term partnerships.

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